Travertine Tile in Winter Garden

Tile flooring is a must here in Winter Garden. It is beautiful, versatile, and cool to the touch, which is just what we need during our warm months. While porcelain and ceramic tile are durable and classic choices, Floor Coverings International Winter Garden is here to talk to you about how to elevate your home with travertine stone tile. Summer is quickly approaching and you want to make sure your home is ready for the season. Let us take you through the benefits of travertine and show you why you need it.

Background

Travertine is a stunning and sturdy sedimentary stone. Recently, quarries have been found in the United States, South America, and the Middle East, but the majority of the natural stone is sourced from Italy. For over 2000 years, artists and architects have been using travertine to construct some of the most iconic monuments in Italian history. The dome of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Roman Colosseum, for example, are both made of travertine. More recently, the Getty Museum in Los Angeles used travertine for its façade. This ancient stone is making a comeback in modern structures and would elevate the look of your Winter Garden home.

Color & Finish

Travertine stones are normally found in colors ranging from creamy tan to golden brown with rusty red hues. These soft, warm colors can complement practically any interior. It is a porous stone with knots, holes, and seams that create its rustic look. Travertine is known to hold its colors exceptionally well and will not become bleached or discolored through the years.

The aged profile has a very mature aesthetic but can be finished in one of four different styles to better match your existing features: polished, honed, brushed, or tumbled. Honed travertine, the most popular choice, is bright and refined, but without the glossy shine that typically comes from polishing. Brushed or tumbled travertine will result in a more textured floor that highlights the natural qualities of the stone. The colors will be more muted and the knots and holes will be more prominent. If you’re in a home with pets or prefer more traction underfoot, we recommend brushed or tumbled travertine.

Durability

With a measurement of hardness (MOH) comparable to marble, travertine will stand up to any superficial stress. The real measure of its durability is its ability to withstand extreme temperature changes. It is a perfect choice for indoor and outdoor areas of your home. Whether you want it for your kitchen floors, patio, or poolside, travertine will last a lifetime and more. If you’re doubtful, just think about the travertine in the Colosseum that has been standing for close to 2000 years. The stone is very resistant to natural elements, but be wary of acidic liquids or cleaning products that can tarnish the colors.

If you want to ensure your travertine stands up to everything, there is the option to fill the pits and holes across its surface with grout. Once filled and sealed, travertine is essentially waterproof. Unfilled, the stone naturally absorbs water and the surface will be puddle-free if you choose to use it as a poolside tile. Another great reason to use it poolside is that, while travertine absorbs water, it doesn’t absorb heat and will keep you cooler underfoot than other popular tiling options will when the sun is beaming down on long summer days.

Travertine tile is an elegant, unique, and mature flooring choice for your Winter Garden home. If you want a tile that will last you the lifetime of your home and look as good as it did the day it was installed, travertine is the tile for you. Your local flooring experts at Floor Coverings International Winter Garden can help you with this project from design to finish. Call us today for a free in-home consultation and estimate!